Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant city with plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy together. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, engaging indoor activities, educational experiences, or even food and dining experiences, Denver has it all. Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Denver with kids.
Exploring Denver’s Outdoor Attractions for Kids
Parks and Playgrounds in Denver
Denver is home to a wide variety of parks and playgrounds that offer endless hours of fun for kids. City Park, with its expansive green spaces, is a popular choice for families. It features a playground, a duck pond, and even a small zoo. Kids can have a blast swinging on the monkey bars, feeding the ducks, and learning about different animal species at the zoo.
Washington Park is another great option with its beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and paths perfect for biking or walking. The gardens are a sight to behold, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Kids can explore the playgrounds, climb on the jungle gyms, and ride their bikes along the winding paths, taking in the scenic views.
If you’re looking for more adventure, visit Ruby Hill Park, where you can enjoy winter activities such as sledding and skiing. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, with families zooming down the snowy slopes on sleds and skis. The laughter and excitement fill the air as kids experience the thrill of gliding through the snow.
For a memorable day out, head to Stapleton Central Park, which boasts a giant wooden pirate ship that kids can climb and explore. This unique playground sparks the imagination and transports children into a world of swashbuckling adventures. They can navigate the ship’s deck, slide down the plank, and pretend to be fearless pirates on a quest for hidden treasure.
Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails
Denver is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it the ideal destination for family hikes. Take your little adventurers to Mount Falcon Park, where they can hike through forests and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The trails wind through towering trees, providing shade and a sense of tranquility. At the summit, families can marvel at the panoramic vistas, with the cityscape stretching out before them.
If you’re seeking a shorter, family-friendly hike, consider exploring the trails at Red Rocks Park, known for its unique rock formations and stunning amphitheater. The towering red rocks create a dramatic backdrop, and kids can’t help but feel like explorers on a grand expedition. They can climb on the rocks, marvel at their natural beauty, and even imagine themselves performing on the famous amphitheater stage.
Another fantastic hiking option is the Bear Creek Trail, which winds alongside a creek and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. As families stroll along the trail, they may catch glimpses of deer grazing in the meadows or squirrels scurrying up trees. The soothing sound of the creek adds to the peaceful ambiance, creating a serene environment for both kids and adults to enjoy.
With its diverse range of hiking trails, Denver ensures that families of all skill levels can enjoy the great outdoors together. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail waiting to be explored.
Water Activities for Kids
On hot summer days, cool off with some water-based activities in Denver. The Stapleton Recreation Center boasts a fantastic outdoor pool, perfect for swimming and splashing around. Kids can dive into the refreshing water, practice their swimming strokes, and make new friends while enjoying the sunshine.
For more aquatic fun, take a trip to Pirates Cove Water Park, with its slides, lazy river, and water playground. The water park is a paradise for kids, with thrilling slides that send them spiraling down into the pools below. They can float along the lazy river, feeling the gentle current carry them along, or climb and slide on the water playground, giggling with delight.
If you prefer a more natural water experience, visit Cherry Creek State Park. This expansive park offers a swim beach, paddleboarding, and kayaking opportunities. Kids can build sandcastles on the beach, dip their toes in the water, and try their hand at paddleboarding or kayaking. The park’s serene lake provides the perfect setting for water adventures and creates lasting memories for families.
There’s no shortage of water activities in Denver to keep kids entertained and refreshed during the summer months. Whether they prefer the excitement of water parks or the tranquility of natural swimming spots, Denver has something to offer for every water-loving child.
Engaging Indoor Activities in Denver
Interactive Museums for Children
Denver is home to several interactive museums that are sure to captivate young minds. One such museum is the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where kids can explore exhibits about dinosaurs, space, and the human body. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is another popular choice, offering hands-on activities and exhibits that promote learning through play.
The Denver Art Museum also provides a wonderful opportunity for children to experience various art forms through interactive exhibits and workshops. These museums inspire creativity and curiosity while providing a break from the outdoors when needed.
Indoor Play Centers and Trampoline Parks
For those days when outdoor activities might not be feasible, Denver offers a range of indoor play centers and trampoline parks. Lollipop Park is a great option for younger children, featuring rides, bumper cars, and a soft play area. Urban Air Adventure Park is a haven for adventure-seeking kids, with trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses.
Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park is another fantastic choice, with its wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits. These indoor play centers provide a safe and exciting environment for kids to burn off energy and have a blast.
Art and Craft Workshops for Kids
Denver’s thriving arts and crafts community offers various workshops tailored specifically for children. The Lumber Baron Mystery Mansion hosts weekly craft sessions where young artists can create their own masterpieces. The Art Garage offers art classes for kids of all ages, focusing on various techniques such as painting, drawing, and sculpting.
Kids can also unleash their creativity at the Home Depot Kids Workshops, where they can build and decorate various projects under adult supervision. These workshops allow kids to express themselves artistically and develop their artistic skills in a supportive and fun environment.
Educational Activities for Kids in Denver
Science and Technology Centers
Denver offers several science and technology centers that provide engaging and educational experiences for kids. The Butterfly Pavilion is a unique facility that allows children to get up close and personal with butterflies and other insects. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, mentioned earlier, also houses interactive exhibits that explore various scientific concepts.
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is another must-visit, where kids can learn about aviation and space exploration through interactive exhibits and displays. Denver’s science and technology centers foster a love for learning while sparking the imagination of young minds.
Historical Sites and Museums
For history enthusiasts, Denver offers a wealth of historical sites and museums that provide educational experiences. The History Colorado Center provides an immersive journey through Colorado’s past, engaging visitors of all ages with exhibits about Native American culture, mining, and the pioneers who shaped the state.
The Molly Brown House Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the famous Titanic survivor and philanthropist, Margaret “Molly” Brown. Additionally, the Four Mile Historic Park showcases life in the early days of Denver with its historic buildings and exhibits.
Denver’s Libraries and Reading Events
In addition to its museums and historical sites, Denver’s libraries play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and learning. The Denver Public Library system offers various programs and events for children, including storytimes, book clubs, and educational workshops.
During the summer, the libraries host the Summer of Adventure program, encouraging kids to read and explore the world through different themes. These events provide fantastic opportunities for families to bond over books and inspire a lifelong love for reading.
Food and Dining Experiences for Kids
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Denver
Exploring Denver’s culinary scene is a treat for the whole family, with numerous restaurants catering to children’s preferences. Elitch Gardens has a fantastic food court that offers a variety of cuisines, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For a unique dining experience, head to Casa Bonita, a Mexican restaurant that also offers entertainment in the form of live shows and divers plunging into a pool. Additionally, the Cherry Cricket is a Denver staple, known for its delicious burgers and a variety of topping options. Check here for more options.
Dessert Places Loved by Kids
No family outing would be complete without a sweet treat to end the day. Denver has an abundance of dessert places that kids will adore. Little Man Ice Cream is a local favorite, serving up handmade ice cream flavors in a charming giant milk can.
Milk & Cake and Voodoo Doughnut are also popular choices for families seeking delectable desserts. These sweet destinations are sure to make any visit to Denver extra memorable and satisfying.
Cooking Classes for Children
For budding chefs, Denver offers cooking classes specifically designed for children. Sticky Fingers Cooking provides hands-on cooking experiences, teaching kids essential culinary skills while creating delicious meals. These classes promote healthy eating habits and instill a sense of independence in the kitchen.
Another option is Uncorked Kitchen, which offers family cooking classes where parents and children can cook together and learn new recipes. These cooking classes provide a fantastic opportunity for families to bond while discovering the joy of preparing meals together.
Denver truly has an abundance of fun activities to do with kids. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, engaging in indoor adventures, immersing yourselves in educational experiences, or indulging in delicious food, Denver offers endless possibilities for making lasting memories with your little ones.
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